Best crates for small dogs

October 17, 2016

Regardless of what size your dog may be, you want the very best for him. After all, you are his “parent” and you want him to grow into a happy, healthy and well-behaved dog. Of course, you will want to offer him the very best – and crate training is one of the most efficient ways to make sure your dog knows how to behave well when you are not around.

What are the best crates for small dogs? We have some tips to help you decide – so read on and find out more.

Measure your pup

You may be tempted to believe that you shouldn’t measure your pup before buying a crate, precisely because small dogs can fit into mostly every size of crate. However, this is completely false – not because the small pup won’t have plenty of room in a very large crate, but because he will have too much room there.

A crate that’s too large can become quite inefficient – especially since the dog will feel more anxious and more willing to escape it. Moreover, too much room in the crate can “teach” your pup that it’s OK to go “potty” on one side of the crate and “live” on the other one.

We highly advise all pup owners to measure their furry friends in length and height before buying a new crate. A few inches should be added to these measurements to make sure the pup has enough room to feel comfortable (and a few more should be added if you plan on bringing in a special bed or any other “props” that might take up space inside the crate). Likewise, if your crate’s walls are very thick, remember that the inside measurements will never be the same as the exterior ones.

Issues with small pups

While most small dogs can fit in a wide range of crates (and there are plenty of options to choose from really), it is important that you consider your puppy’s personality and level of activity. A lot of small-sized breeds tend to be hyperactive (and thus more likely to develop destructive behaviors) – so do make sure you buy a very solid crate if your dog has the tendency to chew, escape and bend things.

For example, Petmate Sky Kennel is considered to be a generally great crate – not just for small dogs, but for other dog sizes too. Its main advantages are the durability of the construction, the comfort it can provide your pup with and the ease with which it can be carried away (reason for which many recommend this crate for air travel).

Of course, there are many other crates suitable for small dogs. As long as it fits your preset criteria, any crate will be great. Do make sure you prioritize the safety of your pup and the safety of the entire crate training process, though – price may be a point to consider, but it should never be the only one, and especially not when your puppy’s safety and health are at stake!